Masses resume at some parishes in Rockford Diocese

(Observer illustration/Sharon Boehlefeld)

Diocese of Rockford part of statewide measures to return to safe worship

ROCKFORD—In a letter written May 13 to the priests and the Catholic faithful, Bishop David Malloy announced the plan to bring the public back to Mass in church.
As individual parishes meet criteria to open, they have been able to offer Masses with up to 10 people present since May 25.
Bishop Malloy, along with the bishops of the Chicago Province, developed a multi-phased plan in consultation with and with the agreement of state and local public health officials and civil authorities. 
In the Rockford Diocese, the plan has been called Back in His Presence.
The plan allows for a gradual return to Mass that respects access to the Sacrament of the Eucharist (Communion) and the health and safety of the priests and their congregations and follows local guidelines for public gatherings.
Local adaptations to this plan will be communicated to parishioners through the parishes and their social media platforms, through the diocesan website and through the Diocese of Rockford Facebook pages. 
Look for information released by the bishop, including a letter, the outlines of plans dioceses in Illinois will follow, a video explaining the changes and other information at the diocesan website at https://www.rockforddiocese.org/.

Read more at http://observertoo.rockforddiocese.org/